Volume 27 
                                                         Issue 10  
                                                         October 2017
                                                         www.pacounties.org

INSURANCE MATTERS

An e-newsletter of the County Commissioners
Association of Pennsylvania Insurance Programs
Owned by Members     Governed by Members     Service to Members
In This Issue
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In my visits with counties and presentations about CCAP's insurance programs, one of my themes is the uniqueness of our programs. They are not traditional insurance. There is no profit motive. They are owned, operated and governed by counties.
 
But the most important point about our programs is at the core of why they were created - they resulted from a problem or concern among the members, and were created to solve a problem. In some cases, to solve several problems.
 
Whether it was to stop having to pay the high cost of the state's unemployment compensation rates, the total lack of commercial liability insurance for public entities, the reluctance of workers' compensation carriers to write standalone policies, or the search for more control over the pricing of health insurance, every one of our programs started with our members asking CCAP to help them with a problem.
 
We've enjoyed doing this for more than 35 years - our first group program starting in 1980. We've had a few programs that didn't work out as well as we would like, but we have continued to adjust, improve and rethink how we can help counties.
 
So when you are comparing our programs and services to those from big insurance companies, keep in mind the philosophy which is essential to everything we do. To the commercial insurers you are just a customer - to us, you are a member. You have rights and privileges as part of that membership. And we work for you.
 
Make sure you contact us when you need help with something,
  
Hot Topics
Assorted Separate Insurance Policies
 
When a county joins PCoRP, we often find the county has some (often many) separate insurance policies for very specific events, coverages or individuals. For example, malpractice insurance for public defenders, E&O for 911 dispatchers, special events coverage for a onetime event such as a fair, even separate law enforcement liability coverage.
 
PCoRP's coverage is designed to be very broad, reflecting all that counties do. If you have any of these separate policies, we can let you know if PCoRP already has coverage and whether or not you need the separate policy.

For more information, contact Karen Cohen at CCAP.

Prison Electronic Documentation Project Update
 
The electronic documentation project, funded by PCoRP for the prisons of PCoRP member counties, has added a new option for consideration by the members. There are now three products from three different firms from which PCoRP members can choose. Here is a short overview of each of the products, taken from each firm's marketing materials.
  
Dynamic Imaging - CorreTrak
This is the product now available to PCoRP members. Specifically designed for the specialized needs of jails, CorreTrak includes a suite of mobile applications that enables facilities to streamline day-to-day operations and improve compliance. In addition to traditional location-based monitoring systems, CorreTrak supports Rounds (Tours), Cell Check (Well-Being), Inmate Identification, Head Count, Programs, Service & Meal Deliveries, and Inmate Location with a high resolution, intuitive touchscreen iPod user interface. For more information contact Doug Graham
 
GUARDIAN RFID automates a wide range of correctional workflows, tasks, and reporting requirements to help prison staff:
 
Increase productivity and gain real-time situational awareness
Strengthen your defensibility and mitigate risk
Reduce inmate complaints and lawsuits
Improve compliance and accountability
 
From tracking inmate movements and managing medication passes, to automating security rounds and headcounts, GUARDIAN RFID helps eliminate manual and paper-based systems permanently, while communicating mission-critical information to staff members in real-time. For more information contact Ken Dalley .
 
The Guard 1 system simplifies the task of recording cell checks or bed checks in segregation areas, medical facilities, dormitories, and cell blocks. Staff can document an offender's activities or demeanor, and record other activities such as distribution of medications or food. The PIPE's reminder feature can act as a cell check timer, alerting officers to begin their rounds at an interval you select. The Guard1 Plus software provides documented proof corrections officers have performed their patrols as required. It has been used successfully to defend correctional facilities and staff in administrative hearings and civil litigation. Guard1 frees your officers from recordkeeping and enables them to focus on the inmates. For more information contact Gerald Fleurent   .
 
PCoRP encourages all its members with prisons to consider these options, and once a decision is made, to complete the contracts with PCoRP for the purchase of the system. PCoRP members should work with their primary PCoRP Risk Control Specialist. For more information about how the process works, please contact Keith Wentz , Risk Management and Underwriting Manager at CCAP.
 
All PCoRP members have until May 31, 2019 to decide if they want to install a system, and by that date all paperwork must be executed by all parties. After May 31, 2019 the funding for this project will end.  




PComp Distributes $2.5 Million Dividend, Increases Grant Funding
By: John Sallade, Managing Director, Insurance Programs
 
The PComp Board of Directors has approved the distribution of a $2.5 million dividend to the membership, as well as increasing the PComp Safety Improvement Grants to an annual amount of $20,000.
 
The dividend was distributed to all members in the third week of September. The amount of each member's dividend was based their experience over five policy years (2011 - 2015). PComp's actuary calculated the dividend based on premiums paid, less incurred claims and administrative expenses. All PComp members received a dividend. Amounts ranged from $176 to $255,525. The average dividend was a little over $53,191.
 
The dividend was authorized by the PComp Board at their June 2017 meeting, based on the strong financial position of the pool. The dividend distribution was approved by Labor & Industry's Bureau of Workers' Compensation, Division of Self Insurance. L&I does not allow dividends to be distributed from the most recent completed policy year, which is why the calculation does not include results from 2016.
 
The PComp Board not only continued funding for the PComp SIP grant program, but increased it to $20,000 per member starting January 1, 2018! This is an increase from the $15,000 per member in 2017. Please note this change in the grant calculation - a member cannot receive more than 75 percent of their annual premium in grant funds - so if your annual premium to PComp is less than $20,000 your grant amount is capped at 75 percent of your premium.
 
The dividends and grants total $12,040,670 returned to the members over the last five years!
                        Year                 Dividend                     SIP Grants
                        2017                $2,500,000                   $   517,000
                        2016                $2,500,000                   $   517,000
                        2015                $2,000,000                   $   517,000
                        2014                $1,600,000                   $   517,000
                        2013                $1,372,670                               ____  
                        Subtotal         $9,972,670                   $2,068,000
 
Had PComp's members been insured by a commercial workers' compensation carrier, this $12 million would have been profit, and they would not have received money back. Just another great benefit of belonging to a public entity risk pool!


County Spotlight
Clinton County - LocalGovU Courses
 
CCAP's Insurance Programs strive to offer valuable trainings in the areas of risk control and risk management for officials and employees of Pennsylvania's counties and county-related entities. PCoRP, PComp, the CCAP UC Trust and PELICAN provide members with FREE access to online training courses through LocalGovU. LocalGovU course categories include: Risk Management, Safety and Environment, Law Enforcement, Corrections, Human Resources and Management, and much more!
 
Many counties have taken advantage of this great service provided to members, including Clinton County. Clinton County has utilized this FREE service to have all of their supervisors and employees complete the online courses in Sexual Harassment Awareness this year and they are near 100 percent completion! Clinton County is also using a series of LocalGovU courses for all new dispatchers and supervisors at their 911 center. The correctional officers in the county who do not have access to email were offered the trainings in a small group setting. LocalGovU offers flexible options and courses to our members for FREE. Did we tell you these are FREE?
 
We encourage every member to utilize this beneficial service!
 
To sign up for this training service, please contact Andrew Smith, Risk Control Specialist!


You're Invited to a U.S. Communities Strategic Sourcing Summit!
 
CCAP is co-hosting an event with the U.S. Communities program, the PA Municipal League, NACo, NLC and others. It is a Strategic Sourcing Summit and will be held in Bethlehem on Wednesday, October 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is no cost to attend this event!
 
Click here to view the flier which includes more information and a link to registration.


2017 SCHRPP Annual Conference
By: Desiree Nguyen, Deputy Director, Insurance Pool Operations

The 2017 SCHRPP Annual Conference was held on September 7 and 8 at the Omni William Penn Hotel, in beautiful Pittsburgh! The SCHRPP Membership has grown to 57 members, with almost 30 member counties and county related entities represented at the conference. SCHRPP was pleased to welcome new member, Perry County, and returning member, York County, to the conference. This year's conference featured keynote speaker, Jeff Tobe, and had educational sessions covering pertinent human resource topics from discipline to succession planning to negotiations and more! Planning for the 2018 SCHRPP Annual Conference is underway.
 
Be sure to save the date, as it will be held at the Liberty Mountain Resort and Conference Center in Gettysburg, September 6 - 7, 2018. See you there!
 
 
 
For questions about SCHRPP Membership, contact Desiree J. Nguyen at
 (717) 736-4779 or at dnguyen@pacounties.org.

Fall 2017 Workshops
By: Linda Rosito, Risk Management Training Director
 
October and November still offer great educational opportunities! Topics include defensive driving, best practices for job descriptions, workplace culture, avoiding employment related lawsuits, Prison Personnel Workshop and County Risk Managers Council Meetings.
 
If interested in attending any of the training sessions please register online . By now you should have received your copies of the GLIMPSE training catalog. If you need additional copies please let me know   ! Session descriptions, dates, times and locations for the educational sessions can also be found on the GLIMPSE Online section the CCAP website.
 
As a reminder, most of the workshops are FREE to attend if your county is a member of the sponsoring Insurance Programs. To check on your county's membership, please refer to the CCAP Insurance Programs Member Listing .
 
The CCAP Insurance Programs continues to collaborate with the Academy for Excellence in County Government. Please refer to our website for additional information on co-sponsored events. These workshops are FREE to current Academy participants.

                
October 3
KEYS: Avoiding Employment Related Lawsuits
Scranton
October 5
Having Conversations that Stand in Our Way
Harrisburg
October 5
Prison Personnel Workshop
State College
October 11
KEYS: Avoiding Employment Related Lawsuits
Harrisburg
October 12
Having Conversations that Stand in Our Way
State College
October 12
Defensive Driving Course
State College
October 18
KEYS: Avoiding Employment Related Lawsuits
Cranberry Twp.
October 19
Having Conversations that Stand in Our Way
Lewisburg
October 24
Having Conversations that Stand in Our Way
Scranton
October 31
Annual Producers' Meeting
Harrisburg
November 2
PCoRP Privacy and Security Coverage Seminar
State College
November 3
County Risk Managers' Council Meeting
Harrisburg
November 9
KEYS: What's My Job? Best Practices for Job Descriptions
Harrisburg
November 15 County Risk Managers' Council Meeting
Cranberry Twp.



As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Linda Rosito at (800) 895-9039 x 3328 or (717) 736-4728.
 
I hope to see you this fall!

Save Your County Money with U.S. Communities' New NARCAN Supplier!

U.S. Communities is the leading nationwide purchasing cooperative founded by public agencies for public agencies. Today, counties are challenged with limited resources and tight budgets for clinical needs. Premier, a U.S. Communities supplier, designed a comprehensive program to provide counties with access to a wide-range of medical supplies at a discounted price. Narcan®, a newly-approved treatment to help reverse an opioid overdose, is just one of the medications available through Premier. Learn more about Premier's Narcan® program.
 
Opioid abuse in the United States has reached epidemic proportions, with deaths due to opioid overdose killing Americans every day. There is a broad consensus that increased access to naloxone is a critical component of the emergency treatment of opioid overdose.
 
NARCAN Nasal Spray is the first and only FDA-approved naloxone nasal spray. This medication is used along with emergency medical treatment to reverse the
life-threatening effects of opioid overdose. NARCAN requires no assembly or priming prior to use.
 
Public Interest Pricing is available to U.S. Communities participating agencies. This discounted program is an effort to provide affordable access to NARCAN for entities that serve the public interest with limited funding.
 
For more information please visit www.uscommunities.org/NARCAN, call
877-981-3312, or email uscommunities@premierinc.com.




Does it Matter if You're Tired at Work?
By: Jean Henry, Risk Control Wellness Nurse 

 

 

Sleep affects how we look, feel and perform on a daily basis, and can have a major impact on our overall quality of life. It is a risk management issue because it directly impacts employee work performance.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, healthy adults should get a range from seven to nine hours of sleep per night to feel rested. During sleep, physical and mental processes take place to clear our minds and restore our bodies. Sleep helps the brain commit new information to memory; hormones are secreted to help regulate metabolism and weight; cell repair occurs; the immune system is boosted; the heart and cardiovascular system slow to reduce blood pressure, to list a few.

Sleep deprivation occurs any time that you get less sleep than your body needs. Studies reveal that 40 percent of Americans averaged less than six hours per night. When sleep is cut short, the body doesn't have time to complete all of the processes. Chronic lack of sleep can lead to obesity, heart disease and diabetes. The ramifications range from minor to major, depending on your accumulated sleep debt.

Sleepiness and an overall decreased ability to think clearly are the biggest complaints and effects of not getting the required number of Z's. For employers, this may lead to errors on the job, including an increased risk for on-the-job accidents and motor vehicle accidents.

Often ignored, these are real dangers associated with a sleep-deprived employee:

  • Performance deterioration, including slower response time and decreased productivity
  • Increased risk of becoming distracted, difficulty maintaining focus and poor memory
  • Increased risk for near miss and motor vehicle accidents
  • Increased number of errors
  • Decreased communication
  • Poor mood appropriate behavior
  • Greater risk taking behavior
Sleep education is often a missing link in a wellness program. There are plenty of things you can do to support a well-rested workforce:

  • Offer education about sleep deprivation. Many people do not know the health and accident risks associated with lack of sleep.
  • Mild to moderate dehydration may cause sleepiness. Use water bottles with your logo to encourage employees to stay hydrated at work by drinking at least one bottle of water while at work.
  • Offer protein snacks in the vending machines. Encourage employees to avoid sugary, high fat snacks such as pastries and donuts which promote sleepiness.
  • Encourage employees to get up and move and stretch every 90 minutes.
  • Start a walk group and walk during the lunch break. Exercise is an excellent way to ward off an afternoon slump.
  • Offer an outdoor area for staff to go outdoors to get a breath of fresh air.
  • Utilize wellness rooms for employees to take a short 10 to 15 minute nap to dispel daytime drowsiness.
It's never too late to begin developing good sleep habits. Encourage employees to make the time to sleep, restore for another day and stay safe. For information regarding PComp grants to help fund your wellness initiatives, including sleep education, contact your Risk Control Specialist.
  

CCAP Cyber Security Forum, October 2
PCoRP Members Receive Free Registration!

CCAP is holding its second annual Cyber Security Forum on Monday, October 2. The mission of the Forum is to raise awareness, educate and engage key county stakeholders in short and long-term strategies for cyber prevention.

The Forum will be held on Monday, October 2 at the CCAP Office in Harrisburg. Registration is $50 per person, but officials and employees of the 51 PCoRP member counties receive free registration due to PCoRP's sponsorship of the Forum.
 
This year's Keynote Speaker is Morgan Wright, an internationally recognized expert on cybersecurity strategy, cyber terrorism, identity theft and privacy. His landmark testimony before Congress on Healthcare.gov changed how the government collected personally identifiable information. He has made hundreds of appearances on national news, radio, print and web, and has spoken to audiences around the world. Morgan is a highly decorated former state trooper, police officer and detective.
 
Other topics and speakers include Erik Avakian, CIO for the Commonwealth of PA, Cyber Case Studies, a PhishMe Update, and Security and Elections. An exhibit hall and time for networking with vendors will also be available.
 
Click here to access the website for the Forum, with more details and to register.



PCoRP and PComp Board Meetings
 
Both PCoRP and PComp had board meetings in the last several months.
  We appreciate and thank the board members for their service.
 
Check out the pictures from the board meetings below.
 
PCoRP Board Members
 
 
 

PComp Board Members


 
 
PCoRP 30th Anniversary Dinner

Please join us for the PCoRP 30th Anniversary Dinner held at The Hotel Hershey on Monday, November 20 beginning at 6 p.m. This invitation is extended to county commissioners, chief clerks, solicitors and their home rule equivalence in counties that are members of PCoRP. PCoRP Local Producers are also invited to attend.

Please email, Aubrey Morris at amorris@pacounties.org to confirm your reservation.


 







New Associate Members

Northwoods Consulting Partners
Consulting, Technology

Northwoods' only focus is helping state and county human services agencies increase client service levels and productivity while cutting costs - allowing them to do more with less. By providing all the right tools in the office and the field, Northwoods' solutions eliminate duplicative work and reduce stress. Time-consuming tasks are automated, helping social workers have more time to accomplish their mission: protecting families.

Pro Tech Auto Glass
Other
 
Mobile auto, truck and bus glass replacement and heavy equipment glass fabricating - WBEC Certified, PA Department of General Services Certificated, Business Partner 011309 DBE PA Certification.

The Panto Group, LLC
Human Services, Technology

Panto Group (TPG) provides strategic business analysis and project management with broad experience in HealthChoices Medicaid managed care and county human services programs. TPG offers expertise in county administrative operations, healthcare technology solutions, systems implementation, and human resource organizational change. We also provide professional consulting services to healthcare providers and managed care organizations. TPG is the right choice to simplify your complex world.


Watch Your Step - Lighting is Everything
By: Maureen McMahon, Senior Risk Control Specialist
 
Watch Your Step is a campaign to raise awareness about the hazards associated with slips, trips and falls. The campaign includes quarterly posters, e-postcards and corresponding news articles in Insurance Matters on how to prevent these events from occurring. We are introducing our sixth poster, Watch Your Step - Lighting is Everything.




According to both the National Safety Council and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls are the number two cause of fatalities in the workplace second only to motor vehicle and transportation accidents. Below are some advantages to keeping parking lots well-lit and some stairway safety basics.

Parking Lots
 
When pulling into a parking lot after dark, most people do not pay much attention to the quality of lighting, unless it's not up to par. Poorly lit spaces increase the likelihood of accidents and crime. On the other hand, a well-lit space helps drivers and pedestrians feel safe and make it easier for them to navigate.

Properly illuminated parking areas and exterior areas provide better visibility for employees and visitors and provides some advantages:
  • Injury prevention from slips, trips and falls
  • Helps deter crime
  • Provides employees and visitors with peace of mind knowing that they are safer from potential injury or crime
     

Stairways

As harmless as they may seem, stairways present many opportunities for people to injure themselves. To help mitigate this risk:
  • Provide lighting for stairways, if shadows exist, adjust the lighting.
  • Inspect all lighting on a daily basis, and replace light fixtures and bulbs that do not work.
  • Ensure that stairways are lit at all times and do not require employees to turn on a light switch to light the stairs. Emergency lighting is especially critical for stairway lighting.
     

Recommended Light Levels by Space

The table below provides recommended light levels from the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA). Please keep in mind that this chart is not comprehensive. The IESNA Lighting Handbook has pages and pages of various categories. Also, please check your local jurisdiction for their requirements.
Most lighting recommendations or requirements start with illuminance. This is the amount of light falling on a horizontal or vertical surface (lumens per square foot or square meter). The metric used to measure illuminance in the U.S. is the footcandle (fc), which is one lumen per square foot. The corresponding metric system unit is one lux (lx), which is one lumen per square meter. One footcandle is approximately equal to 10 lux.

Room Type
Light Level (Foot Candles)
Light Level (Lux)
Corridor
5-10 FC
50-100 lux
Loading Dock
10-30 FC
100-300 lux
Lobby - Office/General
20-30 FC
200-300 lux
Office - Open
30-50 FC
300-500 lux
Parking - Interior
5-10 FC
50-100 lux
Paring Lot - Open
1-1.5 FC
10-15 lux
Stairway
5-10 FC
50-100 lux


As a member of CCAP Insurance Programs, we are providing the Watch Your Step- Lighting is Everything posters to you at no additional charge. We invite you to join in the effort to prevent slips, trips and falls by using Watch Your Step resources for awareness and training activities. Contact us at insurance@pacounties.org to request additional posters.



Upcoming Events

UC Trustees Meeting
October 13, 2017
CCAP Office, Harrisburg

PIMCC Board of Directors Meeting
October 20, 2017
CCAP Office, Harrisburg

CCAP Health Alliance Board of Directors Meeting
October 25, 2017
CCAP Office, Harrisburg



Quote of the Month
 
  "Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value."

- Albert Einstein
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Contact Us: John Sallade, Managing Director, CCAP Insurance Programs